Each technology, based on the published literature, takes a different amount of time to accomplish the goal of disinfection of bacterial spores — for example, the most difficult organism typically found in hospital rooms, C. diff. with hydrogen peroxide vapor taking at least 2.5 hours per room, mercury ultraviolet taking at least 50 minutes and pulsed xenon taking at least 15 minutes total.

All of the technologies work, but each has a different profile in terms of the total disinfection and the total time required for disinfection.

Recently, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) came out with new guidelines for the control of C. diff.

These guidelines include references to “no touch disinfection” systems and examine the role of these new technologies in infection prevention in the hospital.

These guidelines show the acceptability of “no touch disinfection” in hospitals.

It should be anticipated that these technologies will be coming to nursing homes, cruise ships and other markets in the near future.

Real-world Expectations

In order for any of these systems to protect patients and reduce infection rates, it must integrate into real-world situations without excessive costs or disruption of patient flow.

In a busy hospital, a disinfecting system that is too slow, complex to use or is costly will not be used often enough to have a meaningful impact on hospital-acquired infection (HAI) rates.

No touch disinfection systems do not operate themselves. Someone has to move the devices around the hospital and operate them.

Who that person is will be a very important consideration in choosing a no touch disinfection system. Some of the no touch disinfection systems can be operated by a housekeeper and others require a more in-depth technical training.

Look for a system that has been designed specifically for use by the EVS team — easy to transport and easy to use.

Results Matter

Most importantly, evaluate and consider the demonstrated impact the no touch disinfection systems are having on hospital infection rates.

As these new technologies are deployed in real-world settings, the hospitals that deploy them may or may not report on the resulting infection rate changes.

Devices that have been deployed for years without any reported infection rate impact may warrant cause for concern.